In this state of conscious dreaming, it is possible for the dreamer to exert control over the plot of the dream. Experienced lucid dreamers claim to be able to travel on intentional journeys; allowing them to visit lost loved ones, possess super-human strength, fly through space or do anything else they desire.

While there is little debate about the reality of this conscious dream activity, there is more debate about the methods that work to reliably induce lucidity in dreams. What are the best ways to bring on lucid dreams and what should you know before you try?

How Does Lucid Dreaming Work?

Clinical research on lucid dreaming suggests that it can be a useful therapy for preventing recurring nightmares. Lucid dreaming may also accentuate physical rehabilitation by motor imaging rehearsals during dreaming.

It can also have emotional benefits, ranging from wish fulfilment to visualization to gaining closure from painful memories.

Finally, lucid dreaming may help scientists understand altered states of consciousness and the pathologies associated with them.

During a lucid dream, the dreamer is still sleeping. However, an area of the brain called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex gets reactivated. This allows the dreamer to be self-reflective and conscious of the fact that she is dreaming.

When dreamers are aware of their dreams, they can influence the virtual realities generated within their minds.

As a lucid dreamer gains experience and learns to control the dreamstate, he or she can use lucid dreaming as a vehicle for developing internal knowledge, exploring other realms, living out her fantasies and increasing the enjoyment of life.

Expert lucid dreamers say that connecting the consciousness with the unconsciousness creates various powerful benefits. Many report increases in creativity, problem solving and confidence.

Are Lucid Dreaming Supplements Effective?

Understanding how lucid dreaming works requires some knowledge of the neurotransmitters which regulate. Neurotransmitters are chemical signaling substances which accommodate neuronal messages.

Lucid dreaming supplements are available which cause slight alterations in the levels of these four brain chemicals.

This is the same approach used in developing novel pharmaceutical therapies for treating conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, ADD (attention deficit disorder) and certain other cognitive and psychological disorders.

Most lucid dreaming aids work by boosting levels of acetylcholine activity in the brain.Acetylcholine is used to accommodate learning, memory, muscular movement and thinking.

It is also responsible for modulating wake and sleep cycles and plays a role in dreams. It seems to help us access our memories while dreaming and may promote more intense, vivid dreams

These supplements can include Galantamine and Huperzine A pills, both of which increase cholinergic activity because they are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

Lucid dreamers also try to eat a diet rich in choline food sources, such as eggs, meats, fish and broccoli. You can also use choline supplements like Alpha GPC and Citicoline, which increase the synthesis of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter.

Controlling Lucid Dreams

In order to be able to control your lucid dream, the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine are important. Both are involved in executive function, which is important for being able to direct focus and plays a role in sustaining conscious attention.

In the brain, norepinephrine (noradrenaline) is involved in alertness, concentration and focus. Like acetylcholine, it can be beneficial for both WILD and DILD.

Norepinephrine helps a dreamer to connect memories between waking and dream states. This is helpful for gaining control of and directing the contents of lucid dreams.

Higher levels of dopamine may allow a lucid dreamer to more purposefully and effectively direct her dreams. Supplementing the diet with Mucuna pruriens also helps to increase confidence and libido during waking periods.

Increasing Dream Activity

Another important precursor for the ability to go lucid in a dream-state is high quality, restful sleep. This deep sleep is important for facilitating REM periods, which are associated with dreaming.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter used to balance moods and increase well-being. It is associated with encouraging deep non-REM sleep.

However, research shows that, to date, there are no lucid dream induction techniques that work consistently and reliably. At best, they can increase the likelihood of becoming lucid during your dreams.

Understanding that lucid dreaming does work is the beginning of the process of skill development. Research shows that lucid dreaming techniques can be learned, practiced and improved upon.

If you are considering using a lucid dreaming supplement, then it is best to discuss it with a doctor who knows your health history. Certain side effects and drug interactions may be possible.

OVERVIEW: Lucid dreaming occurs when a person becomes aware that they are dreaming and often can influence their dream. Lucid dreaming aids are supplements, sleep techniques, meditation routines, and/or auditory signals that people use to increase the likelihood of achieving a lucid dream state.

USED FOR: Lucid dreaming can be used for creative problem solving, facing and overcoming fears, ending recurring nightmares, visualizing the achievement of goals, improving mental and physical health, and promoting self-confidence.

MECHANISM: Lucid dreaming supplements are used to promote sleep, improve dream vividness and clarity and to increase the chances of remembering dreams. These supplements may work by optimizing levels of neurotransmitters like Serotonin, Acetylcholine, and Dopamine. Sleep techniques, meditation, and auditory signals are all used to focus the mind in an attempt to keep the mind conscious during the dream state.

DOSAGE: Varies depending on the supplements used.

SIDE EFFECTS: Lucid dreaming supplements may have side effects. More information is available on each supplement's page.

INTERACTIONS: Lucid dreaming supplements may have interactions with drugs, herbs, or other supplements. More information is available on each supplement's page.

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